Mr Biff the Boxer

Happy Families

by Allan Ahlberg

Mr Biff the Boxer Mr Biff and Mr Bop are boxers and deadly rivals too. Mr Bop is fit and lean and Mr Biff... Well, Mr Biff likes a cream cake or two. Will he ever be able to toughen up in time for the annual charity match. Full description

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Allan Ahlberg was one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Born in Croydon in 1938, he was educated at Sunderland Technical College. Although he dreamed of becoming a writer since the age of twelve, his route to that goal was somewhat circuitous. Other jobs along the way included postman (not an especially jolly one, he recalls), gravedigger, plumber, and teacher.

Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.

Reviews

[Yasmin]

I have always been fond of the Ahlbergs ‘Happy Families’ collection, so much so that I bought the collection for my kids! 'Biff the Boxer' is one of our favourites. The story is about two boxers, Mr Bop, the ‘fit as a fiddle’ boxer and Mr Biff who is unfit, likes to sit in his armchair and eat unhealthy food! The town announce a charity boxing match between the two, so Mr Biff’s family take it upon themselves to transform Mr Biff in the run up to the match. They change his diet, give him an exercise regime and don't let him sit in his chair! A happy ending! The illustrations are clear, colourful and tell the story well.
An appealing and joyful book to read to KS1 children and to be kept in the book corner for independent reading. This book could also be used to promote healthy eating and show the benefits of exercise and keeping fit. It also portrays the importance of family and friends helping and caring for each other.

[Sophie Crane]

This was a really good book to read aloud to my child. Fun to read and fun to listen to. Lots of great illustrations throughout. One is a favourite to win the charity match and the other not so much so it has a lovely ending.

[Erin Murray]

This book was another short, enjoyable read. The events within the story not only add elements of humour, but the language used is basic and repetitive. This ensures that those of a lower reading ability would still be able to read this book too. The ending of the story is a nice one which can allow the children to discuss how the book ended and why. Good book on friendly competition.

[Katie Fitzgerald]

Because I loved Mrs Wobble The Waitress as a kid, I've ended up collecting this series for my kids. This isn't my favorite of the bunch, but my kids were excited to have another volume in their collection.

[Oliur Rahman]

An enjoyable read for the children at the end of the day. This short story is about two men who are boxers. One of them is as fit as a fiddle whilst the other is lazy and unfit. They are due to fight each other and Mr Biff,who hasn't trained in a very long time is not feeling very confident. His wife and children train him up to be as fit as Mr Bop. The story ends with both men knocking each other out and as a result they both become great friends. A lovely way to end the story which leaves everyone with a smile on their faces.

[Stacy]

This appears to be the first book in the Wacky Families Golden Books series. Mr. Biff and Mr. Bop are boxers who are planning on fighting each other in a charity boxing match. The illustrations are cute and silly and make it look like it takes place in the early 20th century. I enjoyed the ending - the boxing match ends in a tie and the two families go out to eat.

[Sean Harding]

Part of a series called Happy Families this is quite a short little picture book story from Ahlberg with some of his trade mark humour and story. It is all fine, pretty forgettable though.

[Helen]

Found this for a £1 and reminded me so much of my childhood that I had to give it another read.

[Louise]

Not the best one of the series, rubbish ending. Try Mrs Wobble the Waitress or Miss Dose the Dr's Daughter!

[Becky B]

Mr Biff and Mr Bop are going to be boxing for charity. Mr Biff's family is worried that he isn't ready, so they put him through training to toughen him up for the big day.

I'm curious to know how the US version of this book would read versus the UK version. Somehow I doubt the US one would mention Mr Biff drinking beer so much (it's his favorite dinner beverage, and it gets taken away for training along with his cream cakes). The family's training regimen is...unique. Yes, quite unique. I'm not sure how the little girl bonking her father on the head with a wooden mallet is preparation for boxing? I do like that Mr Biff and Mr Bop give up boxing at the end, I personally can't stand the sport. Beginning readers who like silliness may enjoy this. Parents who have issues with kids reading about beer consumption should stay away.

[Sarah]

ABC: letter "B" words

[Gabby]

A must read

All you need are good friends and support and excellent book for these times! I love how relevant this book is still today.